It's been an incredible roller coaster of a year and believe it or not, 2021 is just around the corner! While some things stick around, decor trends are just one of the subjects that tend to ebb and flow with the changes all around us. Check out some of these things to keep an eye out for, you might want to incorporate them into your own home if something catches your attention the next time your're doing some window shopping.

VINTAGE MAKES A REAPPEARANCE

Some pieces are undeniably timeless, whether it be a classic fashion statement or something that conjures up fond memories of the past. Bringing back and reworking that wooden chaise or printed rug is a great way to add a hint of uniqueness to any space, since it's most likely the case that no one else will be able to find it! Weaving in older pieces with contemporary features is also a strategy for creating a hint of contrast.

ORGANIC SHAPES AND CURVES

We're all about incorporating nature into our lives nowadays, and just another one of those ways to do that is by surrounding yourself with those shapes! Think curved sofas, egg-shaped coffee tables, circular rugs, which all contribute a little bit to making any room softer and more inviting. Rounded corners and ergonomic furniture is all the rage, equally good for keeping the small ones safe and providing maximum comfort!

MUTED COLOURS AND PALETTES

While it's hard to forget about the colour statement of the year, it can sometimes be difficult to integrate into an everyday color scheme. No matter your preferred colour of choice, this upcoming year is all about aiming for the softer end of the colour spectrum, and keeping things cool and gentle. Instead of that striking royal blue, play around with a delicate periwinkle, and a rose pink instead of bright magenta. Don't let this subdue your creative flair, but bring together these colours to form an environment that's pleasing for the eyes and comforting for the mind.

Staying at home might be driving all of us a little crazy right now, but there’s always a way to make things work! Apart from benefitting from home offices and more outdoor space, what are some recent home additions that people are looking for?

SANITATION/PACKAGE ROOM

Online shopping can be quite addictive, and you might be finding that parcels are piling up at your front door or in the hallway. It may be better to keep food deliveries and anything coming in from the outside world separate from commonly used areas. The best option is to keep this storage area close to the entrance so that you can limit the spread of germs and also create some order as those packages build up!

HOME RECREATION/THEATRE/PLAYROOM

Just like how it’s helpful to make a distinction between work and sleep areas, having separate work and play areas are also great if you struggle to unwind at the end of the day. Having one centralized area for relaxation is also a great way to bring the family together into a shared area and get in some quality time together. If you have children at home, creating these boundaries can also help solidify a routine for the youngsters.

POWDER ROOM

Unless you’re limited to one bathroom at home, now more than ever it makes the most sense to separate guest and personal usage of these spaces. If it’s unavoidable to have certain people over, keep in mind that this works best if you and the rest of your household also opt for personal bathrooms instead of the designated ‘guest powder room.” 

We're going to be spending plenty of time at home for the next couple of months, but that doesn't mean we have to be limited to the indoors! Whether you've got a private balcony or a spacious backyard, there are numerous ways to spruce up the space and make it your own little haven.

INSTALL A GARDEN MIRROR

Usually plentiful throughout the home, mirrors seldom make an appearance outside, which is a shame because they bring plenty to the party. Try a wall to wall mirror on any side of the outdoor space and watch it do wonders when it comes to elongating and brightening the scene. If you prefer to go for something a little more discreet, there's a vast selection of framed mirrors or you could try your own hand at incorporating ivy and other hanging plants.

GROW A LIVING WALL

There's always something incredibly enchanting about a living plant wall, especially in the fall when the leaves create a gorgeous palette of colours. Perfect for a calming backdrop and environmentally friendly, this option is a go-to if you're searching for ways to bring nature into your living space. 

PLAY WITH LIGHTING AND SHADOWS

Light is a surprisingly useful tool with beautifully transformative effects. Depending on the layout and features present in your outdoor space, you can play around with stringed lights, create silhouettes, or draw attention to garden favourites. Tinker around with the angles of the beams as well as the warmth of the lights to create a personalized effect that is sure to catch the attention of your neighbourhood.

Even though we're going to be stuck at home for a while longer, don't let that stop your creativity and home goals!

Although autumn is a beautiful season to enjoy the vast myriad of changing colours, it's also a reminder that everything is soon to appear just a little too lifeless. Don't fret though, because there are plenty of choices when it comes to decorating your home with houseplants that are both beautiful and simple to take care of.

For starters, you'll want to identify plants that can withstand infrequent watering (just in case you forget), uneven or poor access to light, and varying temperatures. Whether you're working out of a home office or trying to brighten up a small powder room, these are plants that are tough to kill even for the busiest and most forgetful of people.

HANGING PLANTS

Vines or hanging plants are generally grown from a pot that can either sit on its own or hang suspended from an elevated position of your choice. The plant will take care of itself with minimal care, although they can get a little busy crawling up surfaces should you pay them no attention at all. Keep in mind that these can also be placed outdoors, if you'd like to ad a hint of greenery to the balcony, patio, or parts of the exterior wall.

SPIDER PLANTS

These plants are very popular with their ability to easily be repotted and reproduced, often after you find small plantlets on their long stems that generate a rather impressive display over time, all with no additional care! In particular, this specimen is a great choice as they aren't very picky about water, light or temperature.

SUCCULENTS 

When it comes to the variety in succulents, your choices are endless, which means you can pick and choose to your liking! Chances are, there are probably specimens out there you've never even witnessed before! Although they grow at a comparably slower pace, succulents are able to thrive even in neglected circumstances. Very popular today are glass terrariums that you can personally design to hold the succulents for an added aesthetic appeal.

Looking to explore a little bit of the city while getting caught up with history? Look no further than the Engine 374 Pavilion in Yaletown to learn about this significant part of the city. 

A LITTLE HISTORY

The CPR Engine 374 pulled the first transcontinental passenger train into the city on May 23, 1887, marking an important day not only for Vancouver, but the entire nation. The event marked one of the greatest engineering feats to date, and opened up new pathways between Canada's coasts.

RESTORATION

In September, 1914, Engine 374 was selected for a complete rebuilding; it was an almost completely new locomotive, built upon the main frame of the original 1886 locomotive. No. 374 was given an additional thirty year lease on life and remained in revenue service until July, 1945, when it was retired after serving in the second World War. Initially placed at Kitsilano Park to be freely enjoyed for all, damages over the years called for a restoration project.

NEW HOME

During 1988-1990, the public was invited to the Roundhouse Courtyard to view the engine and the Heritage Bricks.
Canada’s most historic steam locomotive, Engine 374, faced an uncertain future, having been out of steam for a significant period of time. Was it to remain forgotten after a few moments of fame at Expo 86? As part of its development, Concord Pacific converted the Roundhouse into a Community Centre, giving both the building and surrounding area park land to the Parks Board. The 374 Station Pavilion building was proposed by the Park Board at the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre in Yaletown, Vancouver. This became a reality in the 1990′s, as the 374 now sits permanently at its new home.

Visit the engine at:

Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre

181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2W3

(corner of Davie Street and Pacific Boulevard, a 10-minute walk from downtown Vancouver, B.C.)

• Open daily year-round; admission is FREE
• Summer hours: 10am-4pm
• Winter hours: 11am-3pm
• Operated by West Coast Railway Association’s volunteers 

We might not notice it, but the time you spend in the bathroom often marks the start or end of significant periods in the day, whether that be getting a fresh start in the morning or winding down after bringing your A game. It might not be the centre of attention compared to other parts of your home, but there are plenty of ways to make it just as, if not more, tasteful as the rest of the house!

TILE CREATIVITY

There are thousands of choices to pick from when it comes to tiling in the bathroom, whether you decide to use that for an entire expanse of wall, the flooring, or just as a decorative element. Apart from the various colours that are available, there are multiple options when it comes to layout, such as a basketweave look or floor-to-ceiling look.

METALLIC ACCENTS

This look gets away in just about any other room, from the kitchen to the bedroom, so why not bring it into the bathroom as well? Ranging in choices from mirror frames to door handles, faucets, there lies an amazing spectrum of options when it comes to spicing up particular sections of the bathroom. Be careful not to overdo it though!

MIXED MATERIALS

Although things can start to get out of hand when you try to incorporate everything, having a good amount of contrast in materials can be very refreshing to the eye. A contemporary look is often met by striking a balance between the use of stone, glass, and even wood for different components of the bathroom. 

MINIMALISM

An ongoing trend continues to lean towards the minimalistic use of materials, feature pieces, and colours. Keep in mind that minimalism doesn’t have to contradict with variety, so let your creativity shine while still keeping in mind what the essentials truly are. Simple color schemes on the spectrum of black to white are consistently popular, as well as sleek cabinets that keep everything out of sight.

The fall season has quickly crept up upon us, which means a mix of chillier weather, hot drinks, and warm sweaters! The transition between seasons is also the perfect time to change things up in your home, whether that be a dramatic switchup or some minor decorations scattered about. If you're looking for some inspiration when it comes to fall decor, look no further.

VIBRANT AND WARM TONES

Just like the leaves sitting at their most colorful stages, this season is a great time to showcase the brighter hues that might've been stowed away for the rest of the year. As it starts to get darker and gloomier outside, displaying that colorful rug right out front, or lighting up a common space with colorful ceramics will do plenty to brighten the atmosphere. 

ONE WITH NATURE

This time of year is traditionally when a bountiful harvest is celebrated, so why not bring in some reminders of nature? Popular items you can easily pick up at your next door market include pumpkins and gourds of all colours and sizes, ornamental grasses, and gorgoeus chrysanthemums. There are endless opportunities to mix and match, with most also faring well outside on the porch or balcony.

PATTERNED PIECES AND TEXTILE ART

When all is said and done, patterned pieces will always be popular go-tos that serve as statement pieces from the living room to the bedroom. In fact, modern rugs and hanging wall pieces are purposely given an older look to deliver an 'erased design.' For a more minimalistic look, opt for black, white or neutral colours that will balance out designs. Alternatively, go all out with extravagant colours and bold shapes.